Contributing to the local economy, making communities stronger

We at Airbnb are fortunate to constantly see the often life-changing impact experienced by our hosts and their guests. The stories of economic and personal empowerment, community, and memorable experiences go on and on. So we know beyond doubt that Airbnb is making families and local communities stronger.

We’ve heard from countless hosts who occasionally rent out their homes using Airbnb and use the extra money they earn to help make ends meet, to spend more time with family, or to start a new business and create jobs for others in their communities. And we’ve heard from travelers who have told us how Airbnb helped them see new neighborhoods and visit local businesses in cities around the world.

But anecdotes and personal observation are only part of the picture. Over the past year, we have also worked hard to study and quantify the overall impact Airbnb can have on communities around the world.

Last year, we released a study examining Airbnb’s positive economic impact in San Francisco. Today, we released a similar study for Paris. Both of these reports make it abundantly clear that Airbnb is having an incredible impact not just on the lives of hosts and guests, but on neighborhoods and cities as well.

Highlights from these first two reports cover just one year and include the following.

Airbnb produces significant economy benefits

Airbnb generated approximately $240 million in economic activity in Paris

Airbnb generated approximately $56 million in economic activity in San Francisco

Guests on Airbnb stay longer and spend more

The average Paris hotel guest visits for 2.3 nights and spends $584 during their stay. The average Paris Airbnb guest, on the other hand, visits for 5.2 nights and spends $1,151 during their stay.

The average San Francisco hotel guest visits for 3.5 days and spends $840. The average San Francisco Airbnb guest visits for 5.5 days and spends $1,045.

Airbnb hosts rent out the homes they live in

83 percent of Airbnb hosts in Paris use Airbnb to rent the home they live in.

90 percent of Airbnb hosts in San Francisco use Airbnb to rent the home they live in.\

Airbnb hosts use their income to make ends meet

56 percent of Airbnb hosts in San Francisco said they use their Airbnb income to help pay their mortgage or rent.

46 percent of Airbnb hosts in Paris said they use income for essential living expenses such as rent and mortgage payments.

Airbnb brings tourists to new neighborhoods

72 percent of Airbnb properties in San Francisco are located outside the central hotel district.

70 percent of Airbnb properties in Paris are located outside the main hotel districts.

The San Francisco study was conducted in 2012 and the Paris study was conducted in 2013. The Airbnb community has only gotten bigger since the studies were conducted, so we expect these numbers will increase as Airbnb continues to have a positive economic impact in cities around the world

Airbnb is a global community marketplace that connects travelers seeking authentic, high-quality accommodations with hosts who offer unique places to stay.

The Airbnb Public Policy Blog is a space for the Airbnb community to talk about public policy initiatives and issues that affect them. It is moderated by David Hantman, Airbnb's Head of Global Public Policy.

If you want to learn more about our current efforts and our community in New York, you find more information on the NYC website